Suspect sentenced in knife attacks

Victims were cut, deputies injured

Published: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 8:32 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 8:32 p.m.

A homeless man received a 16-year prison sentence after pleading no contest to cutting a man's throat with a butcher knife, spitting on an officer and other charges.

Johnny Eunice, 26, was accused of slitting a man's throat with a butcher knife and cutting two others who tried stopping the attack that occurred around 12:45 a.m. June 5, 2012, at Carolina Inn and Suites at 810 Hospitality Drive.

Eunice was originally charged with one count of attempted murder, two counts of first-degree assault and battery, four counts of second-degree assault and battery, one count of throwing bodily fluids by a prisoner and one count of malicious injury to personal property, third or subsequent.

Eunice made an Alford plea to assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, three counts of second-degree assault and battery, one count of throwing bodily fluids by a prisoner, and one count of malicious injury to personal property, third or subsequent. An Alford plea allows a defendant to plead guilty without admitting guilt.

As part of Eunice's plea, two second-degree assault and battery charges were dismissed.

Circuit Judge Benjamin Culbertson imposed a 15-year sentence for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and three years each for the other assault charges and malicious injury to personal property. The sentences will run concurrent. Eunice received an additional year for throwing bodily fluids by a prisoner that will run consecutive to the other sentences.

Seventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Timi Poulos said in court that Eunice fled after the assault at the motel. Spartanburg County sheriff's deputies captured him after he was tracked with the assistance of a police dog that bit him during the arrest. Deputies took Eunice to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for treatment of the dog bite. Eunice kicked out a patrol car window when they arrived at the hospital, Poulos said. Shattered glass injured four deputies and Eunice spit at a deputy.

Eunice said that he was sorry.

Eunice's attorney, James Cheek, said in court that Eunice knew the three men he injured. Cheek said they were staying at the motel and he said Eunice had been high on methamphetamine for a week when the assault occurred and does not remember specifically what happened. He said Eunice had received mental health treatment in 1997.

Poulos said in court that Eunice's criminal history dates back to 1997 for crimes in Georgia, including assault, resisting arrest and trespassing.

Eunice has been convicted of numerous crimes in South Carolina since 1999, according to a criminal history from the state Law Enforcement Division. He has been convicted of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, second-degree burglary non-violent, financial transaction card theft, public disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, according to records.

<p>A homeless man received a 16-year prison sentence after pleading no contest to cutting a man's throat with a butcher knife, spitting on an officer and other charges.</p><p>Johnny Eunice, 26, was accused of slitting a man's throat with a butcher knife and cutting two others who tried stopping the attack that occurred around 12:45 a.m. June 5, 2012, at Carolina Inn and Suites at 810 Hospitality Drive.</p><p>Eunice was originally charged with one count of attempted murder, two counts of first-degree assault and battery, four counts of second-degree assault and battery, one count of throwing bodily fluids by a prisoner and one count of malicious injury to personal property, third or subsequent.</p><p>Eunice made an Alford plea to assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, three counts of second-degree assault and battery, one count of throwing bodily fluids by a prisoner, and one count of malicious injury to personal property, third or subsequent. An Alford plea allows a defendant to plead guilty without admitting guilt.</p><p>As part of Eunice's plea, two second-degree assault and battery charges were dismissed.</p><p>Circuit Judge Benjamin Culbertson imposed a 15-year sentence for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and three years each for the other assault charges and malicious injury to personal property. The sentences will run concurrent. Eunice received an additional year for throwing bodily fluids by a prisoner that will run consecutive to the other sentences.</p><p>Seventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Timi Poulos said in court that Eunice fled after the assault at the motel. Spartanburg County sheriff's deputies captured him after he was tracked with the assistance of a police dog that bit him during the arrest. Deputies took Eunice to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for treatment of the dog bite. Eunice kicked out a patrol car window when they arrived at the hospital, Poulos said. Shattered glass injured four deputies and Eunice spit at a deputy.</p><p>Eunice said that he was sorry.</p><p>Eunice's attorney, James Cheek, said in court that Eunice knew the three men he injured. Cheek said they were staying at the motel and he said Eunice had been high on methamphetamine for a week when the assault occurred and does not remember specifically what happened. He said Eunice had received mental health treatment in 1997.</p><p>Poulos said in court that Eunice's criminal history dates back to 1997 for crimes in Georgia, including assault, resisting arrest and trespassing.</p><p>Eunice has been convicted of numerous crimes in South Carolina since 1999, according to a criminal history from the state Law Enforcement Division. He has been convicted of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, second-degree burglary non-violent, financial transaction card theft, public disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, according to records.</p>